The Two Shocking Superman After Credits Scenes Explained: James Gunn's Anti-Tease Philosophy And The DCU's New Start

The highly anticipated DCU relaunch, *Superman*, has finally hit theaters, and just like every major superhero blockbuster, fans are glued to their seats waiting for the inevitable post-credits stingers. As of the latest viewing reports in December 2025, the film delivers not one, but two distinct after-credits moments, yet they are radically different from the universe-spanning teases audiences have come to expect. Director James Gunn has made a deliberate, controversial choice to focus on character and theme rather than setting up the next five movies, making these scenes a defining statement for the new DC Universe.

This deep dive will break down exactly what happens in both the mid-credits and end-credits scenes, explore the key characters introduced, and explain why James Gunn’s philosophy on these cinematic tags is a refreshing, yet risky, gamble for the future of the DCU. Spoiler warning: The following sections contain full details of the film's concluding moments.

The Complete Breakdown of Superman's Two Post-Credits Scenes

The new *Superman* film, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, concludes with a pair of scenes that solidify the movie's focus on hope, humanity, and the small, quiet moments that define Clark Kent. Unlike previous DC films that often rushed to set up sequels or spin-offs, these scenes serve as a reflective exhale after the main conflict.

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Mid-Credits Scene: A Quiet Moment on the Moon with Krypto

The first scene, which appears after the main cast roll and before the full credits, is a brief, sweet vignette that centers entirely on the relationship between Superman and his loyal companion, Krypto the Superdog.

• The Setting: The scene takes place on the surface of the Earth's Moon, an isolated and iconic location for the Kryptonian hero.
• The Action: Superman, wearing his suit, is seen sitting down, looking out over the Earth, which hangs beautifully in the black sky. Krypto is resting comfortably in his lap.
• The Intent: This moment is a complete departure from the high-stakes teasers of the past. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated peace and reflection for the hero after the intense battle in Metropolis. It reinforces the film's core theme: even a god-like alien needs a moment of quiet and the unconditional love of his dog. The scene is brief, simple, and emotionally resonant, acting as a final, heartfelt beat for the main story.
• Key Entities: Superman (David Corenswet), Krypto the Superdog.

This mid-credits tag is a clear signal that the new DCU, under James Gunn’s direction, values character development and emotional payoff over mandatory franchise building.

End-Credits Scene: The Clean-Up and the Introduction of Mister Terrific

The second scene, which plays after the entirety of the credits have rolled, shifts the focus back to Metropolis and introduces a key figure from the wider DC universe: Mister Terrific.

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• The Setting: Metropolis, in the aftermath of the main conflict (which involved Lex Luthor’s destructive actions).
• The Action: Superman is seen alongside Mister Terrific (played by Edi Gathegi), both surveying the damage. Specifically, they are looking at a massive building that has been split by a giant crack, possibly caused by the ground-splitting technology or seismic event from the final battle.
• The Dialogue: The exchange is brief and focused on the practicalities of the clean-up and reconstruction. Mister Terrific’s presence as a genius inventor and problem-solver highlights that not all heroes fight with heat vision. Their conversation is less about a looming threat and more about the responsibility of rebuilding and the collaborative effort required to save the city.
• The Intent: While this scene does introduce a major DC character (Mister Terrific, a key member of the Justice Society of America), it does so in a grounded, functional way. It establishes him as an active part of the world and a potential ally without a heavy-handed "to be continued" message. It shows the consequences of the main fight and the immediate aftermath that Superman must deal with—not just saving people, but fixing the world.
• Key Entities: Superman, Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), Metropolis, Lex Luthor (implied destruction).

James Gunn’s Controversial Post-Credits Philosophy

The biggest talking point surrounding the *Superman* after-credits scenes is not what they show, but what they *don’t* show. For over a decade, fans have been conditioned to expect these tags to be major plot devices, teasing the next villain, introducing a major character like Supergirl or Brainiac, or setting up a crossover event.

The Anti-Tease Stance

Director and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has been very vocal about his distaste for post-credits scenes that are purely used as "homework" for the audience to follow the next movie. His philosophy, which he has implemented in previous films like *Guardians of the Galaxy*, is that the scenes should be a "funny little joke" or a "treat for the audience" who stayed through the credits, rather than a necessary plot point.

• Focus on the Film: Gunn's approach ensures that *Superman* is a complete, standalone story. The ending of the film is the true conclusion, and the post-credits scenes are simply an epilogue or a humorous addition.
• Avoiding the "Trap": Gunn has stated he felt "trapped" by the obligation to set up future projects in his previous work. By making the *Superman* scenes non-essential to the plot, he frees the DCU from the rigid, interconnected structure that can sometimes overshadow individual films.
• A New DCU Norm: This decision establishes a new standard for the DCU. Moving forward, fans should expect less of the "stinger-to-the-next-movie" format and more character-focused, reflective, or humorous tags.

Topical Authority: The DCU Entities Introduced or Referenced

While the scenes don't explicitly set up a sequel, they do confirm the existence of several key characters and concepts that build the foundation of the new DCU (DC Universe). These entities are crucial for the long-term topical authority of the franchise:

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• Mister Terrific (Michael Holt): A genius inventor and third-smartest man in the world, known for his "T-Spheres" and his role in the Justice Society of America (JSA). His introduction as a collaborator with Superman suggests a focus on non-powered, technological heroes.
• Krypto the Superdog: Confirms the presence of Superman's loyal, super-powered canine companion, a beloved character from the comics who adds a layer of warmth and family to the hero’s life.
• Lex Luthor: Although not in the post-credits, the destruction being cleaned up is a direct result of his actions in the main film, solidifying his role as the primary antagonist and a figure of massive, corporate-level chaos.
• Metropolis: The city itself is established as a character, with the focus on the clean-up emphasizing the real-world consequences of superhero battles.
• David Corenswet’s Superman: The scenes reinforce the tone of this new iteration: a hopeful, reflective, and collaborative hero, contrasting with the more brooding versions of the past.

Why This Departure is a Smart Move for the DCU Relaunch

After years of trying to mimic the interconnected style of its competitor, the DCU’s decision to use its post-credits scenes in this manner is a bold and strategic move. It speaks volumes about the creative direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran.

The primary intention is to instill confidence in the audience that each DCU film will be a complete, satisfying narrative in its own right. By not forcing a cliffhanger or a major sequel tease, the *Superman* film is allowed to breathe and stand on its own merits. This focus on individual quality is essential for a successful franchise relaunch.

The inclusion of Mister Terrific, a team-oriented hero, in the final tag suggests that while the DCU will be connected, its connections will be built organically through collaboration and shared responsibility, rather than mandated through a series of forced "next-movie" announcements. The quiet moment with Krypto is the emotional anchor, reminding everyone that at the heart of the DCU is a man who just wants to do good, even if that means simply sitting with his best friend on the moon.

Ultimately, the two *Superman* post-credits scenes are less about setting up the future and more about celebrating the present. They are a definitive statement that the new DCU is prioritizing heart, character, and a complete cinematic experience over the endless, obligatory tease.